Three beaches in Gozo have been awarded the Blue Flag for 2020, they are Ramla Il Hamra, Hondoq and Marsalforn.

The International Blue Flag Jury of the Foundation for Environmental Education International (FEE)- has today announced the results of the Northern Hemisphere beaches awarded the Blue Flag for 2020.

The International Jury awarded the Blue Flag to 11 beaches in Malta and Gozo.

In Malta, the beaches are: Ghajn Tuffieha, Golden Sands, Mellieha Bay, Bugibba perched Beach, Qawra Rocky Beach, St George’s Bay St Julians, Fond Ghadir and Westinn Dragonara Beach.

The organisation congratulated the National Operator of Malta – Nature Trust – FEE Malta for sending the information on time and for the control visits carried out during the 2019 season to ensure compliance.

It recommended the National Operator to look into the opportunity to start the Blue Flag programme for Marina and Tourism Boats in Malta, saying that “an island with marine potentials and tourist boat potentials should be explored.”

Only one beach did not make the Blue Flag, the organisation said, but this was due to the renovation works that it was carrying out during summer 2019, and thus did not apply for the eco label to be considered. This is a private beach in the north of Malta and managed by a hotel.

The Blue Flag International Jury further added that is very much aware of the special situation the world is facing today with the coronavirus. Therefore it highlighted that the sites that are being awarded the Blue Flag “must at all times comply with the national and international health guidelines and legislations regarding Coronavirus.”

During its season, and when it is opened to the public, as long as the national health measures are in place and it complies with all other Blue Flag criteria, the site can fly the Blue Flag.

The International Jury finally highlighted the important role Blue Flag has in these uncertain times where the local communities and tourists will be seeking safer and more sustainable destinations.

Having the Blue Flag waving is “an assurance that the sites are safe and in compliance with the national regulations. For this, we need to keep our standards high and not compromise on quality,” the organisation said.

Blue Flag International is now following each country developments in the Covid situation and will be looking into how the standards can be kept in the current situation and restrictions.

It wished all Blue Flag beaches a successful summer with the hope that sustainable tourism can develop further and help the economy.

Photo by Alain Salvary

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